December 22
Luke 2:11 (NKJV)-
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
The shepherds were living in the fields near the manger in Bethlehem. The shepherds kept watch over the sheep at night because there were predatory animals and thieves to worry about. The only light in the field would have been from the moon, the stars, and possibly a small oil lamp.
In the dark fields, the shepherds were terrified when the angel appeared and God’s glory shone around them. While our culture rarely experiences total darkness, the shepherds’ culture had never experienced such light.
Amidst the brilliant light, the angel spoke to the shepherds, telling them not to be afraid because there was good news of great joy for all people. In doing so, the angel said, “there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The angel further explained that the baby was lying in a manger, wrapped in cloths.
Why did the angel tell the good news to the shepherds instead of the priests and scribes in the Temple just miles away from the fields? The shepherds’ message would not have been as believable as the words of a priest. If the angel had appeared at the Temple, maybe the Jewish leaders would have been more receptive to Jesus, Thirty years later. So, why did God choose shepherds to share the good news of Christ’s birth?
In my experience, the most important lessons from God arrive unexpectedly. God speaks to us in many ways. Sometimes the message comes through a sermon, but often his word is spoken to our hearts as we go about our daily lives. Do we trust God to speak his will and his direction into our lives? Do we trust the words of the Bible to be the voice and truth of God? How do we answer God when he speaks to us?
On that quiet night, as the shepherds did their jobs, they did not wonder about why and how God had spoken. Rather, they trusted his word and followed his direction.
Today, let’s find some quiet time with God. Let’s sit quietly and listen for the good news of great joy that he has to share with others. In doing so, let’s find a quiet place, trust him to speak, and follow his will and direction.
Prayer of St. Peregrine “Speak, Lord Jesus, I will listen. You do not come into my life without speaking to me in some way. Please make your presence known in my heart and mind. I will be quiet, and let my desires and worries rest, in order to hear you. In silence, I will learn to know your will for my life. Amen.”